Skip to product information
Item #P6-3300
Electrostatics
Best Seller
Winsco Van de Graaff Generator
$995.00
Bundle Discount
| Unit Price | $995.00 |
| 10+ | $925.00 |
Classic electrostatics demonstrations with dramatic sparks
The Winsco Van de Graaff Generator brings the excitement of electrostatics to life through striking demonstrations of charge, potential difference, and electric fields. With its durable construction, smooth operation, and consistent performance, this classroom staple provides a safe, hands-on way to explore the fascinating world of static electricity.
The Winsco Van de Graaff lets students see and feel electric forces in action — from hair-raising charge buildup to crackling sparks that make electricity unforgettable.
Why Teachers Love the Winsco Van de Graaff Generator
- Balance of Engagement and Safety: The generator produces sparks from 8 inches to as high as 12–15 inches. Yet with a maximum continuous current of just 10 microamps, it allows students to explore electricity up close without risk.
- Built to Last: Rugged metal dome and stable base ensure long-term durability and easy maintenance.
- Highly Versatile: Supports a wide range of electrostatic demonstrations — from charging conductors to operating accessories like the electric whirl or electroscope.
Resources
Product Details
What You Can Teach with the Winsco Van de Graaff Generator
The Winsco Van de Graaff Generator turns abstract electrical concepts into hands-on exploration and experimentation:
- Charge Accumulation & Transfer: Demonstrate how friction generates the static charge and the belt transfers the charge to the dome.
- Electric Fields & Potential: Visualize field strength and voltage differences with sparks, foil strips, and streamers.
- Conductors & Insulators: Compare how different materials hold or discharge static charge.
- Grounding & Shielding: Explore the principles of grounding and Faraday cages in action.
- Energy Conversion: Convert mechanical energy into electrical potential to reinforce conservation of energy principles.
Grades 4–8: How Students Can Use the Winsco Van de Graaff Generator
The Winsco Van de Graaff Generator is a show-stopping way to introduce electricity in grades 4–8 using safe, memorable, hands-on experiences.
High-engagement investigations for upper elementary & middle school
- Hair-Raising Charge Demo: A student on an insulated stool touches the dome and watches their hair stand up. This makes the idea of like charges repelling
- Conductor/Insulator Sorting Lab: Students test materials (metal spoon, plastic ruler, wood stick, rubber, cardboard) to see which ones quickly discharge the dome and which don’t.
- Grounding Surprise: Have students hold a grounded object near the dome and predict what will happen. Use this to talk about why sparks jump and how grounding provides a path for charge
Products being sold are not toys. They are for Educational / Laboratory use only. They are not for use by children 12 and under.
Product Specifications
Specs:
Dome: 25 cm Diametert
Overall Height: 76 cm
Lower Cabinet: 30 x25 x 7.5 cm
Negatively Charged Dome
Belt Size: 1.5" x 28"
What's Included:
Winsco Van de Graaff Generator
Spare Belt
Instructional Guide
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Van de Graaff generator?
A Van de Graaff generator is an electrostatic device that uses a moving belt to build up very high voltage on a metal dome. It produces high-voltage, low-current electricity, making it ideal for safe classroom demonstrations of static electricity.
What does a Van de Graaff generator do?
A Van de Graaff generator creates and stores static electric charge, allowing you to demonstrate:
- Electric sparks and discharge
- Hair standing on end (electrostatic repulsion)
- Charge transfer and electric fields
- Attraction and repulsion of objects
These effects make electrostatics concepts highly visible and engaging for students.
How much voltage does the Arbor Scientific Van de Graaff generator produce?
The Deluxe Van de Graaff Generator from Arbor Scientific can generate up to 350,000 volts (350 kV), producing sparks ranging from about 8 to 15 inches long.
Is a Van de Graaff generator safe to use in the classroom?
Yes. Despite producing very high voltage, the generator operates at extremely low current (microamps), which makes it safe for educational demonstrations when used properly.
What experiments can you do with a Van de Graaff generator?
Common classroom experiments include:
- Spark discharge demonstrations
- Hair-raising experiment
- Electric wind (using point discharge)
- Charging and discharging objects
- Lighting fluorescent or neon tubes
These experiments help students visualize electric fields, charge distribution, and electrostatic forces.
How does a Van de Graaff generator work?
It works by:
- Moving a belt inside the column using a motor
- Separating electrons from materials using friction
- Accumulating charge on the metal dome
- Building voltage until it discharges as a spark
This process continuously builds high voltage for demonstrations.
Why does hair stand up with a Van de Graaff generator?
When a person touches the dome, electric charge spreads across their body. Each hair strand gets the same type of charge, causing them to repel each other and stand on end.
What affects the performance of a Van de Graaff generator?
Performance depends on environmental conditions, especially:
- Humidity (high moisture reduces charge buildup)
- Cleanliness of the belt and dome
- Temperature changes during shipping or storage
Humidity is the most common factor that reduces performance.
What grade levels is a Van de Graaff generator best for?
Van de Graaff generators are ideal for:
- Middle school science demonstrations
- High school physics labs
- Introductory college physics
They are especially effective for teaching electrostatics and electric fields.
What accessories are used with a Van de Graaff generator?
Common accessories include:
- Discharge electrodes
- Electric whirl (for electric wind demonstrations)
- Neon tubes or wands
- Flying ball or “silver snake” attachments
These expand the range of experiments and demonstrations.
Why should I use a Van de Graaff generator in teaching?
A Van de Graaff generator:
- Makes abstract physics concepts visible
- Increases student engagement
- Supports hands-on STEM learning
- Demonstrates real-world electrostatic phenomena
How is a Van de Graaff generator different from other electrostatic devices?
Unlike simple friction-based devices, a Van de Graaff generator:
- Continuously generates charge
- Reaches much higher voltages
- Produces repeatable, dramatic demonstrations
Can a Van de Graaff generator be used for advanced physics?
Yes. While commonly used in classrooms, Van de Graaff generators were originally developed for particle acceleration and research, and similar principles are still used in advanced physics applications today.
Warning: California Residents
WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm — www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Accessories
